Page 180 of Delicate Storm

“I love you too.”

After sneaking inside from the balcony, I find Isaac still playing with his monster trucks and I explain the new plan, loving when his face lights up with excitement.

Dad smiles from his position on the floor next to Isaac, and I thank the stars that he was here when Easton called.

“Do you want to bring your Superman Teddy, Isaac? I think he’s in your room.” He rushes off without a word, and I explain as much as I can to Dad.

He glances down at his watch and curses. “I better call Pierce. Easton should be warming up by now.”

“I don’t think he’d want you to get involved.”

“Maybe not. But I’m going to be.”

He disappears into the kitchen while I finish packing, and when we’re all done, we head off. “I’m coming with you. We can discussworkin my office,” he says as we ride the elevator, referring to my Mikkleson situation as work.

It doesn’t take much for me to agree because despite what Easton said, I’d prefer to be closer to Isaac. I’d prefer to be close to them both.

As the elevator doors open to the parking garage, the nervous energy coursing through me finally starts to ease until Isaac calls out for his mom and I freeze.

“Paige, Mom’s here.” He lets go of my hand and rushes toward her, stopping short of giving her a hug.

“Isaac, I missed you.”

Isaac nods but doesn’t return the sentiment while I watch on with horror, my gaze zeroing in on a car seat through the window of the car behind her, confirming Easton’s suspicions.

“Hi.” I walk over, resting a hand on Isaac’s shoulder, feeling Dad’s presence without having to see him. “Macy?” I say with a smile while inside I panic. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“You must be Paige.” She smiles back but there’s something sinister about it. “Isaac’s told mesomuch about you.”

“Likewise.” Dad steps forward, perhaps sensing Macy’s disguised animosity, and comes to a stop beside me. “Macy, this is my dad, Sal.” I introduce them just as a huge mountain man gets out of what I assumed to be Macy’s car, lifting a hand in a wave as he settles behind her.

“This is my friend Rocky,” Macy says but she’s no longer talking to us—her gaze is locked on Isaac. “Isaac, Rocky and I wanted to take you to Disneyland. How does that sound?”

Before I can think things through, the word no is out of my mouth as I reach for Isaac’s hand. “While that’s a lovely offer, we’re on our way out.”

Macy’s lips thin, but she forces a smile and drops to her knees, surprising me by getting on Isaac’s level. “Isaac, baby. You want to come, don’t you? Remember we talked about this.”

“I think—” I begin but Macy cuts me off.

“Let Isaac speak. I’m his mother. If he wants to come with me, he can.”

“Yes, but—”

“But nothing.” She smiles through slightly gritted teeth. “Rocky, get the car ready.” To Macy’s credit, she manages to get her feelings across without once raising her voice and even Rocky seems to be buying it. But despite keeping things happy for appearance’s sake, Isaac peers up at me, and I see a change in his eyes the moment he catches my concern.

“I want to stay with Paige,” he whispers, squeezing my hand.

“I’m sure Paige is lovely. But I came all the way from Florida to see you. We both did. So we’re going to Disneyland. I bought you new clothes and a car seat. We can stay in Mickey’s room and—”

“He said no, Macy. Why don’t you call Easton tomorrow and—”

“No!” Macy finally snaps, grabbing Isaac’s hand to pull him away from me. “Come on, Isaac. It’s Mommy. We always have fun. Let’s go.” She tugs on his arm, and he visibly shakes as he tries to pull back.

And it’s that moment the protective anger takes over me. “Macy,stop.”

“Let him go!” Dad yells, and I should have seen it coming but I was so wrapped up in keeping Isaac safe that his booming voice makes me jump.

I expect Isaac to panic from the obvious anger in Dad’s tone, but when Dad steps forward, Isaac pulls his hand away from Macy and jumps into his arms.

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